In an Olympic boxing ring in Paris, a well-placed punch has echoed across the world. In 46 seconds, Algerian boxing champion Imane Khelif succeeded in uniting a country often marked by divides and contrasts, where governmental policies, election campaigns and world events previously failed. Khelif has talked about the challenges growing up in rural Tiaret in interviews with various media outlets: “It was very difficult. Sahraoui admits to having mixed feelings about the response to the controversy in Algeria, especially since Khelif’s appearance was openly scorned in the country in the past. Sahraoui said she hoped that when it comes to rights and individual freedoms for all in Algeria, Khelif and her performance will be a step in the right direction.

Source: Punch August 05, 2024 17:51 UTC